Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: flurbiprofen
BRAND NAME: Ansaid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever,
pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic
relievers of
mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury,
menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 50mg, 100mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Flurbiprofen is used for the treatment
of
inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis,
as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and
bursitis.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Flurbiprofen should be avoided by
patients
with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic
reactions to
aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions
have been
reported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by
patients with
peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this
medication can
aggravate both conditions.
Flurbiprofen is generally used with caution in patients taking
blood
thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin),
because of increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking lithium
can develop
toxic blood lithium levels. Patients also taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
can develop kidney toxicity. Use in children has not been
adequately
studied. Flurbiprofen is not habit forming. NSAIDs should be
discontinued
prior to elective surgery because of a mild interference with
clotting
that is characteristic of this group of medicines. Flurbiprofen
is best
discontinued at least three days in advance of the procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
flurbiprofen or
other NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Flurbiprofen is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Flurbiprofen is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from flurbiprofen
and other
NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can
occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often
desirable to use
the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most
common side
effects of flurbiprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. It
can cause
ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea,
gastritis, and
even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity.
Sometimes,
stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal
pain.
Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the
only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in
the ears,
and lightheadedness can also occur.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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